At
a glance:The
August observation of National
Immunization Awareness Month
(NIAM) is a great way to rally
local organizations in your immunization
education efforts. Communities
are encouraged to plan local
health screenings or fairs, media
events and other related immunization
outreach efforts during the month
of August to promote the benefits
of immunization.

August is recognized as National Immunization
Awareness Month (NIAM). The goal
of NIAM is to increase awareness
about immunizations across the life
span, from infants to the elderly.

August is the perfect time to remind
family, friends, co-workers, and
those in the community to catch
up on their vaccinations. Parents
are enrolling their children in
school, students are entering college,
and health care workers are preparing
for the upcoming flu season.

Why
are immunizations important?
Immunization is one of the most significant
public health achievements of the 20th
century. Vaccines have eradicated smallpox,
eliminated wild poliovirus in the U.S.
and significantly reduced the number
of cases of measles, diphtheria, rubella,
pertussis and other diseases. But despite
these efforts, today tens of thousands
of people in the U.S. still die from
these and other vaccine-preventable
diseases.

Vaccines
offer safe and effective protection from
infectious diseases. By staying up-to-date
on the recommended vaccines, individuals
can protect themselves, their families
and friends and their communities from
serious, life-threatening infections.

Who
should be immunized?
Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting
community effort regardless of age, sex,
race, ethnic background or country of
origin. Recommended vaccinations begin
soon after birth and continue throughout
life. Being aware of the vaccines that
are recommended for infants, children,
adolescents, adults of all ages and seniors,
and making sure that we receive these
immunizations, are critical to protecting
ourselves and our communities from disease.

When
are immunizations given?
Because children are particularly vulnerable
to infection, most vaccines are given
during the first five to six years of
life. Other immunizations are recommended
during adolescent or adult years and,
for certain vaccines, booster immunization
are recommended throughout life. Vaccines
against certain diseases that may be
encountered when traveling outside of
the U.S. are recommended for travelers
to specific regions of the world.